Shelby Cullom Davis, R I P - conservative businessman and philanthropist - Editorial

National Review, July 11, 1994 by Edwin J. Feulner, Jr.

As a scholar, diplomat, business executive, and philanthropist, Shelby Cullom Davis made immeasurable contributions to the growth and success of the conservative movement. John Stuart Mill said that one person with a belief is equal to the force of 99 who have only interests. Perhaps this explained Shelby's quiet power.

He was chairman of Shelby Cullom Davis Inc. of New York City, the oldest and largest investment firm specializing in insurance securities in the United States. In 1969, he was appointed U.S. ambassador to Switzerland, a post he held until 1975. He had also served as first deputy superintendent of insurance in New York Governor Thomas Dewey's cabinet, and was economic advisor to Dewey during his run for the Presidency in 1944.

Serving on the boards of many public-policy organizations, including the Heritage Foundation, Shelby brought to the task a set of principles and a genuine fondness for people that was joyfully obvious, even to those on the opposite side of an issue. His quiet dedication to the conservative movement will be sorely missed.